U.S. patent application number 14/460409 was filed with the patent office on 2015-02-19 for electrical bulkhead connector.
This patent application is currently assigned to IMPACT SELECTOR, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is IMPACT SELECTOR, INC.. Invention is credited to John Hall, Jason Allen Hradecky.
Application Number | 20150047854 14/460409 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52465997 |
Filed Date | 2015-02-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150047854 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hradecky; Jason Allen ; et
al. |
February 19, 2015 |
ELECTRICAL BULKHEAD CONNECTOR
Abstract
A bulkhead connector assembly for assembly within a downhole
tool to isolate a dry side of the downhole tool from a fluid side
of the downhole tool and to allow electrical communication
therebetween. The bulkhead connector assembly comprises a bulkhead
comprising holes extending therethrough, wherein the bulkhead is
adapted to form a fluid seal against an inside surface of the
downhole tool. Terminals extend through the bulkhead, wherein an
end of each terminal is in electrical communication with one of a
plurality of electrical wires. Boots each extend about the end of a
corresponding one of the terminals. A retaining block has holes
each receiving one of the boots. A housing positioned around the
retaining block is coupled to the bulkhead, thus positionally
fixing the retaining block relative to the bulkhead.
Inventors: |
Hradecky; Jason Allen; (The
Woodlands, TX) ; Hall; John; (Houston, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
IMPACT SELECTOR, INC. |
Heath |
TX |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
IMPACT SELECTOR, INC.
Heath
TX
|
Family ID: |
52465997 |
Appl. No.: |
14/460409 |
Filed: |
August 15, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61866368 |
Aug 15, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
166/378 ;
166/65.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01R 13/533 20130101;
H01R 13/5208 20130101; E21B 17/028 20130101; E21B 33/0385
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
166/378 ;
166/65.1 |
International
Class: |
E21B 17/02 20060101
E21B017/02; E21B 31/107 20060101 E21B031/107 |
Claims
1. An apparatus, comprising: a bulkhead connector assembly for
assembly within a downhole tool to isolate a dry side of the
downhole tool from a fluid side of the downhole tool and to allow
electrical communication therebetween, wherein the bulkhead
connector assembly comprises: a bulkhead comprising a plurality of
holes extending therethrough, wherein the bulkhead is adapted to
form a fluid seal against an inside surface of the downhole tool; a
plurality of terminals each extending through the bulkhead, wherein
an end of each terminal is in electrical communication with a
corresponding one of a plurality of electrical wires; a plurality
of boots each extending about the end of a corresponding one of the
plurality of terminals; a retaining block having a first end, a
second end, and a plurality of holes each extending between the
first and second ends and receiving a corresponding one of the
plurality of boots, thereby positionally fixing each of the
plurality of boots relative to the bulkhead; and a housing
positioned around the retaining block and coupled to the bulkhead
thus positionally fixing the retaining block relative to the
bulkhead, wherein an opening of the housing receives the plurality
of wires.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the retaining block comprises a
tapered edge operable to cooperate with a tapered inside surface of
the housing and thereby urge the retaining block into centralized
abutment with the bulkhead.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the housing is threadably
engageable with the bulkhead.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of holes
extending through the retaining block comprises a narrower portion,
a wider portion, and a shoulder extending therebetween, wherein
each shoulder abuts an outer surface of a corresponding one of the
plurality of boots.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the bulkhead connector assembly
further comprises a plurality of sockets each connected with the
end of a corresponding one of the plurality of terminals, wherein
each socket electrically couples one of the plurality of wires with
a corresponding one of the plurality of terminals.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the end of each terminal is a
first end, wherein the bulkhead connector assembly further
comprises a contact block abutting the bulkhead and having a first
end, a second end, and a plurality of holes each extending between
the first and second ends of the contact block and receiving a
second end of a corresponding one of the plurality of
terminals.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein: the plurality of sockets is a
plurality of first sockets; the plurality of wires is a plurality
of first wires; the bulkhead connector assembly further comprises a
plurality of second sockets each connected to the second end of a
corresponding one of the plurality of terminals; each of the
plurality of second sockets extends through a corresponding one of
the plurality of holes extending through the contact block and is
adapted for connecting with a corresponding one of a plurality of
second wires; and the contact block is positionally fixed in
abutment with the bulkhead thereby fixing each of the plurality of
second sockets in connection with the second end of a corresponding
one of the plurality of terminals.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the bulkhead connector assembly
further comprises a plurality of insulators each positioned about a
corresponding one of the plurality of second sockets and the second
end of a corresponding one of the plurality of terminals, thereby
maintaining each of the plurality of second sockets in connection
with the second end of the corresponding one of the plurality of
terminals, and wherein the contact block positionally fixes each of
the plurality of insulators relative to the bulkhead.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein: the retaining block comprises
a tapered edge operable to cooperate with a tapered inside surface
of the housing and thereby urge the retaining block into
centralized abutment with the bulkhead; the housing is threadably
engageable with the bulkhead; each of the plurality of holes
extending through the retaining block comprises a narrower portion,
a wider portion, and a shoulder extending therebetween, wherein
each shoulder abuts an outer surface of a corresponding one of the
plurality of boots; the bulkhead connector assembly further
comprises a plurality of sockets each connected with the end of a
corresponding one of the plurality of terminals, wherein each
socket electrically couples one of the plurality of wires with a
corresponding one of the plurality of terminals; the end of each
terminal is a first end and the bulkhead connector assembly further
comprises a contact block abutting the bulkhead and having a first
end, a second end, and a plurality of holes each extending between
the first and second ends of the contact block and receiving a
second end of a corresponding one of the plurality of terminals;
the plurality of sockets is a plurality of first sockets; the
plurality of wire is a plurality of first wires; the bulkhead
connector assembly further comprises a plurality of second sockets
each connected to the second end of a corresponding one of the
plurality of terminals; each of the plurality of second sockets
extends through a corresponding one of the plurality of holes
extending through the contact block and is adapted for connecting
with a corresponding one of a plurality of second wires; the
contact block is positionally fixed in abutment with the bulkhead
thereby fixing each of the plurality of second sockets in
connection with the second end of a corresponding one of the
plurality of terminals; the bulkhead connector assembly further
comprises a plurality of insulators each positioned about a
corresponding one of the plurality of second sockets and the second
end of a corresponding one of the plurality of terminals, thereby
maintaining each of the plurality of second sockets in connection
with the second end of the corresponding one of the plurality of
terminals; and the contact block positionally fixes each of the
plurality of insulators relative to the bulkhead.
10. A method, comprising: assembling a bulkhead connector assembly
by: inserting each of a plurality of terminals through a
corresponding one of a plurality of holes extending through a
bulkhead; connecting each of a plurality of electrical wires to an
end of a corresponding one of the plurality of terminals;
positioning each of a plurality of boots about the end of a
corresponding one of a plurality of terminals and a portion of a
corresponding one of the plurality of wires; positioning the
plurality of boots, collectively, within a retaining block; and
connecting a housing to the bulkhead around the retaining block,
thus urging the retaining block into abutment with the
bulkhead.
11. The method of claim 10 wherein positioning the plurality of
boots within the retaining block comprises inserting each of the
plurality of boots into a corresponding one of a plurality of holes
each extending into the retaining block.
12. The method of claim 10 wherein connecting each of the plurality
of wires to the end of the corresponding one of the plurality of
terminals comprises: extending each wire through a corresponding
one of the plurality of holes extending into the retaining block;
then extending each wire through a corresponding one of the
plurality of boots; and then connecting each wire to the end of the
corresponding one of the plurality of terminals.
13. The method of claim 10 wherein connecting each of the plurality
of wires to the end of the corresponding one of the plurality of
terminals comprises: extending each wire through a corresponding
one of the plurality of holes extending into the retaining block;
then extending each wire through a corresponding one of the
plurality of boots; then connecting each wire to a corresponding
one of a plurality of contact sockets; and then connecting each
contact socket to the end of the corresponding one of the plurality
of terminals.
14. The method of claim 10 wherein the plurality of wires is a
plurality of first wires, wherein the end of each of the plurality
of terminals is a first end, and wherein assembling the bulkhead
connector assembly further comprises: connecting each of a
plurality of second wires to a second end of a corresponding one of
the plurality of terminals; and placing a contact block about the
second end of the plurality of terminals, collectively.
15. The method of claim 10 wherein the plurality of wires is a
plurality of first wires, wherein the end of each of the plurality
of terminals is a first end, and wherein assembling the bulkhead
connector assembly further comprises: connecting each of a
plurality of second electrical wires to a corresponding one of a
plurality of contact sockets; connecting each of the plurality of
contact sockets with a second end of a corresponding one of a
plurality of terminals; and placing the contact block about the
second ends of the plurality of terminals, collectively, and the
plurality of contact sockets, collectively, thus maintaining each
of the plurality of contact sockets in connection with the second
end of the corresponding one of the plurality of terminals.
16. The method of claim 10 wherein the plurality of wires is a
plurality of first wires, wherein the end of each of the plurality
of terminals is a first end, and wherein assembling the bulkhead
connector assembly further comprises: connecting each of a
plurality of second electrical wires to a corresponding one of a
plurality of contact sockets; connecting each of the plurality of
contact sockets with a second end of a corresponding one of a
plurality of terminals; placing each of a plurality of insulators
about the second end of a corresponding one of the plurality of
terminals and a corresponding one of the plurality of contact
sockets, thereby maintaining each of the plurality of contact
sockets in connection with the second end of the corresponding one
of the plurality of terminals; and placing the contact block about
the plurality of insulators, collectively.
17. The method of claim 10 further comprising assembling the
bulkhead connector assembly into the downhole tool in a manner
forming a fluid seal between the bulkhead and an inside surface of
the downhole tool.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein assembling the bulkhead
connector assembly into the downhole tool fluidly isolates a dry
side of the downhole tool from a fluid side of the downhole tool
and allows electrical communication between the dry and fluid
sides.
19. A system, comprising: a downhole tool comprising: a tool
housing having a central cavity extending therethrough; and a
bulkhead connector assembly positioned in the central cavity,
wherein the bulkhead connector assembly fluidly isolates a dry side
of the downhole tool from a fluid side of the downhole tool and
allows electrical communication between the dry and fluid sides,
and wherein the bulkhead connector assembly comprises: a bulkhead
comprising a plurality of holes extending therethrough, wherein the
bulkhead is adapted to form a fluid seal against an inside surface
of the downhole tool; a plurality of terminals each extending
through the bulkhead, wherein an end of each terminal is in
electrical communication with a corresponding one of a plurality of
electrical wires; a plurality of boots each extending about the end
of a corresponding one of the plurality of terminals; a retaining
block having a first end, a second end, and a plurality of holes
each extending between the first and second ends and receiving a
corresponding one of the plurality of boots, thereby positionally
fixing each of the plurality of boots relative to the bulkhead; and
a housing positioned around the retaining block and coupled to the
bulkhead thus positionally fixing the retaining block relative to
the bulkhead, wherein an opening of the housing receives the
plurality of wires.
20. The system of claim 19 wherein the downhole tool is a downhole
impact jar tool.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 61/866,368, entitled "Multi-Pin Boot
Retainer," filed Aug. 15, 2013, the entire disclosure of which is
hereby incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] Drilling operations have become increasingly expensive as
the need to drill deeper, in harsher environments, and through more
difficult materials have become reality. Additionally, testing and
evaluation of completed and partially finished well bores has
become commonplace, such as to increase well production and return
on investment.
[0003] In working with deeper and more complex wellbores, it
becomes more likely that tools, tool strings, and/or other downhole
apparatus may break down or become inoperable within the bore.
Furthermore, downhole tools are regularly subjected to high
temperatures, temperature changes, high pressures, and the other
rigors of the downhole environment. Internal components of the
downhole tools may be subjected to repeated stresses that may
compromise reliability. In addition to the potential to damage
equipment in trying to retrieve it, the construction and/or
operation of the well must generally stop while tools are retrieved
from the bore.
[0004] Consequently, internal electrical components of a downhole
tool, such as an impact jar tool, may become damaged or otherwise
stop working, requiring the tool to be retrieved from the bore. For
example, connections between electrical sockets and terminals may
be severed due to retainer boots becoming disconnected from the
terminals. This problem is often associated with air-to-fluid
terminals on electrical bulkhead connectors usable for isolating
fluid and dry sides of the downhole tool.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The present disclosure is best understood from the following
detailed description when read with the accompanying figures. It is
emphasized that, in accordance with the standard practice in the
industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the
dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or
reduced for clarity of discussion.
[0006] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of at least a portion of
apparatus according to one or more aspects of the present
disclosure.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a perspective view the apparatus shown in FIG.
1.
[0008] FIG. 3 is an end view the apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a sectional view the apparatus shown in FIG.
1.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of at least a portion of
apparatus according to one or more aspects of the present
disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of at least a portion of
apparatus according to one or more aspects of the present
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] It is to be understood that the following disclosure
provides many different embodiments, or examples, for implementing
different features of various embodiments. Specific examples of
components and arrangements are described below to simplify the
present disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are
not intended to be limiting. In addition, the present disclosure
may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various
examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and
clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the
various embodiments and/or configurations discussed. Moreover, the
formation of a first feature over or on a second feature in the
description that follows may include embodiments in which the first
and second features are formed in direct contact, and may also
include embodiments in which additional features may be formed
interposing the first and second features, such that the first and
second features may not be in direct contact.
[0013] The present disclosure relates generally to at least a
portion of an electrical transmission, connector, and/or cable
assembly of a downhole tool. The present disclosure introduces an
apparatus 100 that is or comprises an electrical bulkhead connector
usable in a downhole tool. FIGS. 1-4 each show different views of
the apparatus. FIG. 1 is a plan view, FIG. 2 is a perspective view,
FIG. 3 is an end view, and FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along
the lines 4-4 in FIG. 3.
[0014] The apparatus 100 is or comprises a bulkhead connector
assembly operable within an impact jar and/or other downhole tool
to isolate a dry side 101 of the apparatus 100 within the downhole
tool from a fluid side 102 of the apparatus 100 within the downhole
tool, and to enable electrical communication therebetween. The dry
side 101 and fluid side 102 may be reversed in other
implementations within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0015] The apparatus 100 may comprise multiple conductor
("multi-pin") boot retaining features that may, for example, aid in
preventing disconnection of one or more boots 110 from one or more
electrical terminals 120 by, for example, restricting movement of
the boots 110 relative to one or more other components of the
apparatus 100. The apparatus 100 may comprise a universal or custom
bulkhead 150 having a generally cylindrical configuration adapted
for insertion into an internal cavity of a downhole tool 500 (see
FIG. 5). The following description refers to FIGS. 1-5
collectively.
[0016] The bulkhead 150 may comprise a predetermined number of
holes 156 extending therethrough for receiving air-to-fluid
electrical terminals 120 therein. When inserted into the holes 156,
first ends of the terminals 120 extend into the dry side 101 of the
apparatus 100 (which may also be referred to herein as the dry side
of the downhole tool 500), while second ends of the terminals 120
extend into the fluid side 102 of the tool 500 (which may also be
referred to herein as the dry side of the downhole tool 500). The
example implementation of the bulkhead 150 depicted in FIGS. 1-5
accepts 26 terminals 120, although other numbers and/or types of
terminals are also within the scope of the present disclosure. The
terminals 120 may be sealed in corresponding holes 156 of the
bulkhead 150, perhaps with corresponding O-rings and/or other fluid
sealing members 122, such as to reduce or prevent fluid
communication between opposing sides of the bulkhead 150. An outer
circumferential surface 157 of the bulkhead 150 may comprise
external threads, grooves, and/or other means for engaging a bell
housing 140. The bulkhead 150 may also carry one or more O-rings
and/or other sealing members 152, such as may further affect
fluidic isolation of opposing sides of the apparatus 100. For
example, the sealing members 152 may each form a fluid seal against
an inside surface of the downhole tool 500 to reduce or prevent
fluid communication between opposing sides of the bulkhead 150.
[0017] The apparatus 100 may further comprise a retaining block 130
for positioning over the boots 110 and a bell housing 140 for
maintaining the retaining block 130 in position with respect to the
bulkhead 150. The retaining block 130 may have a generally
cylindrical configuration and a plurality of specially designed
holes 132 for accepting individual boots 110 therein. For example,
the holes 132 may have a narrower portion 133, a wider portion 137,
and a shoulder 135 that transitions or extends between the narrower
and the wider portions of each hole 132. The retaining block 130
may also or alternatively provide insulation assurance in the area
between first ends of the terminals 120 and the electrical wires
160 collectively extending from a first multi-wired cable or a
pigtail 162. The first end 134 of the retaining block 130 may have
a tapered or otherwise shaped surface 136 that may cooperate with a
corresponding tapered or otherwise shaped internal surface 146 of
the bell housing 140. The retaining block 130 may substantially
comprise PEEK and/or other plastic materials.
[0018] The bell housing 140 is shown as a generally cylindrical
member with a central cavity 148 extending therethrough. The first
end 142 of the bell housing 140 may include a conical portion
having a tapered internal surface 146 and a first hole extending
into the internal cavity 148. The second end 144 of the bell
housing 140 may include internal threads 147 for engaging the
external threads 157 of the bulkhead 150 and a second hole 143
extending into the internal cavity 148. The second hole 143 has a
sufficient size to accommodate the retaining block 130
therethrough. Once the retaining block 130 is positioned within the
bell housing 140, the bell housing 140 may be threaded onto the
bulkhead 150 to secure the retaining block 130 in position against
the bulkhead 150.
[0019] The apparatus 100 may further comprise a contact block 190
for positioning over the protruding ends of the terminals 120 to
maintain connection between the terminals 120 and the sockets 180.
The contact block 130 may have a generally cylindrical
configuration and a plurality of specially designed holes 194 for
accepting and retaining individual insulators 182 therein. The
insulators 182 may accept and retain sockets 180 therein to
maintain the sockets 180 in connection with the terminals 120. The
first ends of the sockets 180 may be inserted about the second ends
of the terminals, while the second end of the sockets 180 may be
crimped about the electrical wires 164 collectively extending from
a second multi-wired cable or a pigtail 166. The contact block 190
may also or alternatively provide insulation assurance in the area
between the terminals 120 and the electrical wires 164. The contact
block 190 may be secured to the bulkhead 150 by one or more
fasteners 192.
[0020] One or more aspects of the apparatus 100 may allow gas
trapped between the boots 110 and the retaining block 130 to escape
upon expansion, while preventing (or at least discouraging) such
expansion and/or escape from compromising the connections between
the boots 110, the sockets 170, and the terminals 120. The area 148
defined between the inner surface 146 of the bell housing 140 and
the surface 154 of the bulkhead 150 may also be partially or
substantially filled with grease and/or other materials that, in
some implementations, may aid in preventing pressurized well fluids
from compromising the integrity of the electrical connections
within the apparatus 100.
[0021] The apparatus 100 may further replace or supplement a
conventional solder and heat shrink connection, which may simplify
initial assembly and/or save time during cleaning and/or other
servicing. The apparatus 100 may further aid in protecting against
leakage and/or contamination of lubrication (e.g., grease). The
apparatus 100 may be tailored to a specific downhole tool, such as
may allow utilizing the apparatus 100 without significant (or any)
modification to existing downhole tools, and may be utilized in
wells exceeding about 22,000 feet (about 6700 meters) and/or about
17,000 psi, among others.
[0022] One or more methods of assembling the apparatus 100 may be
as follows. First, the electrical wires 160 of the pigtail 162 may
be inserted into a first opening 141 at a first end 142 of the bell
housing 140, and then passed through corresponding holes 132 of the
retaining block 130. The electrical wires 160 may then be passed
through corresponding boots 110 and terminated, soldered, or
otherwise connected to the corresponding sockets 170. The sockets
170 may then be fully seated within the corresponding boots 110 and
the boots 110 may then be fully seated on the first ends of the
terminals 120 to connect the sockets 170 with the terminals 120 and
to maintain the connection therebetween. Alternatively, the sockets
170 may be connected to the terminals 120 first, and then the
corresponding boots 110 may be fully seated over the sockets 170
and the terminals 120 to maintain the connection therebetween.
[0023] Thereafter, the retaining block 130 can be positioned about
the boots 110 such that each wider portion 137 of the holes 132
accepts therein a corresponding boot 110. The retaining block 130
may then be inserted into the bell housing 140 through a second
opening 143 in the bell housing 140. The second end 144 of the bell
housing 140 may then be threadably engaged or otherwise connected
to the bulkhead 150 to secure the retaining block 130 against the
bulkhead 150. For example, the end 134 of the retaining block 130,
opposite the bulkhead 150, may have a tapered surface 136 that may
cooperate with a corresponding tapered internal surface 146 of the
bell housing 140 to urge the retaining block 130 into abutment with
a surface 154 of the bulkhead 150. When the retaining block 130
abuts the surface 154 of the bulkhead 150, the shoulder 135 of each
hole 132 may abut the end surface 111 or other surface of each boot
110 to maintain the boot 110 in position. Each boot 110, in turn,
maintains each socket 170 in contact with each terminal 120. By
retaining the boots 110 in position, the retaining block 130 may
also maintain the terminals 120 seated within the bulkhead 150.
[0024] Thereafter, electrical connection between the wires 164 and
terminals 120 may be established. For example, the sockets 180 may
be crimped onto the stripped ends of the wires 164 and then
inserted into individual insulators 182 positioned within the holes
194 of the contact block 190. Thereafter, the contact block 190 may
be positioned against the bulkhead 150 over the protruding second
ends of the terminals 120, such that each socket 180 is positioned
over and connected with each terminal 120. The contact block 190
may then be secured to the bulkhead 150 by one or more fasteners
192 to maintain the sockets 180 in connection with the terminals
120. It should be noted that the above steps may be performed in a
different order.
[0025] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of at least a portion of a
downhole tool 500 according to one or more aspects of the present
disclosure. The downhole tool 500 may be is usable with the first
and second connectors 560 and 570, which may be substantially
similar to at least a portion of the apparatus 100 shown in FIGS.
1-4. However, the first and second connectors 560 and 570 may not
be identical. The downhole tool 500 may be or comprise an impact
jar utile in freeing apparatus that have become stuck in a
wellbore. The diameter and/or other dimensions of the downhole tool
500 may substantially correspond to similar dimensions of the tool
string (not shown) in which the downhole tool 500 is assembled,
and/or the wellbore in which the downhole tool 500 and tool string
may be conveyed via wireline, slickline, e-line, coiled tubing,
and/or other conveyance means (not shown).
[0026] The downhole tool 500 comprises joint connections 502 and
520 at opposing ends operable to assemble the downhole tool 500
into the tool string. The downhole tool 500 also comprises a
jarring assembly comprising, in order from top to bottom, an upper
joint connection 502, an upper housing 504 coupled with the upper
joint connection 502, an intermediate housing 506 coupled with the
upper housing 504, a housing connector 508 coupled with the
intermediate housing 506, a lower housing 510 coupled with the
housing connector 508, and a stop 512 coupled with the lower
housing 510. The downhole tool also comprises a static assembly
comprising, in order from top to bottom, an upper mandrel 514, a
lower mandrel 516 coupled with the upper mandrel 514, a shaft 518
coupled with the lower mandrel 516, an outer housing 511, and the
lower joint connection 520 coupled with the shaft 518. The jarring
and static assemblies are depicted as being coupled together by a
clamp 522, which is removed prior to the downhole tool 500 being
inserted into the wellbore. The downhole tool 500 also comprises a
latch mechanism comprising an outer latch member 524, an inner
latch member 526, a coil spring 528, a Belleville stack 530, and a
biasing member 532 coupled with the housing connector 508. The
outer latch member 524 is translated axially relative to the inner
latch member 526 in response to axial translation of the
intermediate housing 506. The inner latch member 526 translates
axially relative to the outer latch member 524 in response to
relative movement of the jarring and static assemblies and
compression of the Belleville stack 530.
[0027] The downhole tool 500 may also comprise a sealed internal
volume defined radially by an annulus that is defined between the
lower housing 510 and the lower mandrel 516. The sealed volume may
be defined axially between the stop 512 and a piston contained in
the annulus that is defined between the lower housing and the lower
mandrel. Various O-rings, seals, gaskets, wipers, and/or other
sealing members may also exist at various locations within the
downhole tool 500.
[0028] The downhole tool 500 may further comprise an electrical
cable, jumper, or other assembly 550 spanning between a first
connector 560 and a second connector 570. The first and second
connectors 560 and 570 may be substantially similar to at least a
portion of the apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 1-4. However, the first
and second connectors 560 and 570 may not be identical.
[0029] The first and the second connectors 560 and 570 may be
positioned within the central cavity that extends through several
components of the tool 500, including the upper housing 504, the
intermediate housing 506, the housing connector 508, the lower
housing 510, and the outer housing 511, all of which collectively
make up the tool housing. FIG. 5 shows the first connector
positioned within the central cavity 542 of the upper housing 504
and the second connector 570 positioned within the central cavity
552 of the outer housing. The first connector 560 may isolate the
fluid side 544 of the jarring assembly from the dry side 546 of the
jarring assembly, wherein the fluid side contains or is in contact
with internal hydraulic fluid, lubricant, or other fluid, while the
dry side does not contain hydraulic fluid, lubricant, or other
fluid therein. Similarly, the second connector 570 may isolate the
fluid side 554 of the static assembly from the dry side 556 of the
static assembly.
[0030] The downhole tool 500 is assembled within a tool string (see
FIG. 6), and is operable as follows. During normal operations,
cantilevered "fingers" of the outer latch member 524 may be biased
radially inward from their position shown in FIG. 5. If a portion
of the tool string below the downhole tool 500 becomes stuck in the
wellbore, a tensile force may be applied to the upper joint
connection 502, such as by pulling on a wireline cable and/or other
conveyance attached to the tool string. This tensile force urges
the jarring assembly upwards relative to the static assembly.
However, the Belleville stack juxtaposed between the biasing member
and the inner latch member initially counteracts such relative
movement of the jarring assembly, thus compressing the Belleville
stack. As a result of the increasing tensile force applied to the
upper joint connection, as well as the cooperation of surfaces
and/or other features of the inner latch member, the outer latch
member, the upper mandrel, and/or the intermediate housing, the
ends of the cantilevered "fingers" of the outer latch member may
deflect radially outward, thus freeing the jarring assembly to
rapidly translate axially away from the static assembly. This
results in an impact between mating shoulders of the stop and the
shaft. This jarring force is transferred to the lower joint
connection and, consequently, to the stuck portion of the tool
string.
[0031] The downhole tool 500 may be actuated and/or deployed a
number of times without being removed from the wellbore. For
example, after the inner and outer latch members separate and allow
the ensuing jarring force to be applied to the stuck portion of the
tool string, relieving the tensile force applied to the upper joint
connection may reengage the inner and outer latch members, such
that the jarring process may be iterated in continued attempts to
dislodge the tool string.
[0032] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an exemplary operating
environment within the scope of the present disclosure, wherein the
downhole tool 500 is suspended within a tool string 602 coupled to
the end of a wireline, slickline, e-line, and/or other conveyance
605 at a wellsite having a borehole 610. The downhole tool 500
and/or conveyance 605 may be structured and/or arranged with
respect to a service vehicle (not shown) and/or one or more surface
equipment components at the wellsite. The example system 600 of
FIG. 6 may be utilized for various downhole operations including,
without limitation, those for and/or related to completions,
conveyance, drilling, formation evaluation, reservoir
characterization, and/or production, among others.
[0033] The system 600 comprises a downhole tool 620 that may be
utilized for testing subterranean formations and/or analyzing
composition of fluid(s) from a formation F. The downhole tool 620
may be coupled to the downhole tool 500, thus forming the tool
string 602 (although the tool string 602 may comprise additional
and/or alternative components within the scope of the present
disclosure). The system 600 may also comprise associated
telemetry/control devices/electronics and/or surface
control/communication equipment. The downhole tool 620 is suspended
in the borehole 610 at the lower end of the conveyance 605, which
may be a multi-conductor logging cable spooled on a winch (not
shown) at surface. The conveyance 605 may be electrically coupled
to the surface equipment.
[0034] The downhole tool 620 may comprise an elongated body
encasing and/or coupled to a variety of electronic components
and/or modules that may be operable to provide predetermined
functionality to the downhole tool 620. For example, the downhole
tool 620 may comprise a static or selectively extendible apparatus
625, as well as one or more selectively extendible anchoring
members 630 opposite the apparatus 625. The apparatus 625 may be
operable to perform logging, testing, and/or other operations
associated with the formation F, the wellbore 610, and/or fluids
therein. For example, the apparatus 625 may be operable to
selectively seal off or isolate one or more portions of a sidewall
of the borehole 610 such that pressure or fluid communication with
the adjacent formation F may be established, such as where the
apparatus 625 may be or comprise one or more probe modules and/or
packer modules.
[0035] FIG. 6 is provided as an example environment in which one or
more aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented. However,
in addition to the environment of FIG. 6, one or more aspects of
the present disclosure may be applicable or readily adaptable for
implementation in other environments utilizing other means of
conveyance within the wellbore.
[0036] In view of all of the above and the figures, a person having
ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the present
disclosure introduces an apparatus comprising: a bulkhead connector
assembly for assembly within a downhole tool to isolate a dry side
of the downhole tool from a fluid side of the downhole tool and to
allow electrical communication therebetween, wherein the bulkhead
connector assembly comprises: a bulkhead comprising a plurality of
holes extending therethrough, wherein the bulkhead is adapted to
form a fluid seal against an inside surface of the downhole tool; a
plurality of terminals each extending through the bulkhead, wherein
an end of each terminal is in electrical communication with a
corresponding one of a plurality of electrical wires; a plurality
of boots each extending about the end of a corresponding one of the
plurality of terminals; a retaining block having a first end, a
second end, and a plurality of holes each extending between the
first and second ends and receiving a corresponding one of the
plurality of boots, thereby positionally fixing each of the
plurality of boots relative to the bulkhead; and a housing
positioned around the retaining block and coupled to the bulkhead
thus positionally fixing the retaining block relative to the
bulkhead, wherein an opening of the housing receives the plurality
of wires.
[0037] The retaining block may comprise a tapered edge operable to
cooperate with a tapered inside surface of the housing and thereby
urge the retaining block into centralized abutment with the
bulkhead.
[0038] The housing may be threadably engageable with the
bulkhead.
[0039] Each of the plurality of holes extending through the
retaining block may comprise a narrower portion, a wider portion,
and a shoulder extending therebetween, wherein each shoulder may
abut an outer surface of a corresponding one of the plurality of
boots.
[0040] The bulkhead connector assembly may further comprise a
plurality of sockets each connected with the end of a corresponding
one of the plurality of terminals, wherein each socket may
electrically couple one of the plurality of wires with a
corresponding one of the plurality of terminals.
[0041] The end of each terminal may be a first end, and the
bulkhead connector assembly may further comprise a contact block
abutting the bulkhead and having a first end, a second end, and a
plurality of holes each extending between the first and second ends
of the contact block and receiving a second end of a corresponding
one of the plurality of terminals.
[0042] The plurality of sockets may be a plurality of first
sockets. The plurality of wires may be a plurality of first wires.
The bulkhead connector assembly may further comprise a plurality of
second sockets each connected to the second end of a corresponding
one of the plurality of terminals. Each of the plurality of second
sockets may extend through a corresponding one of the plurality of
holes extending through the contact block, and may be adapted for
connecting with a corresponding one of a plurality of second wires.
The contact block may be positionally fixed in abutment with the
bulkhead, thereby fixing each of the plurality of second sockets in
connection with the second end of a corresponding one of the
plurality of terminals. The bulkhead connector assembly may further
comprise a plurality of insulators each positioned about a
corresponding one of the plurality of second sockets and the second
end of a corresponding one of the plurality of terminals, thereby
maintaining each of the plurality of second sockets in connection
with the second end of the corresponding one of the plurality of
terminals, and the contact block may positionally fix each of the
plurality of insulators relative to the bulkhead.
[0043] The present disclosure also introduces a method comprising:
assembling a bulkhead connector assembly by: inserting each of a
plurality of terminals through a corresponding one of a plurality
of holes extending through a bulkhead; connecting each of a
plurality of electrical wires to an end of a corresponding one of
the plurality of terminals; positioning each of a plurality of
boots about the end of a corresponding one of a plurality of
terminals and a portion of a corresponding one of the plurality of
wires; positioning the plurality of boots, collectively, within a
retaining block; and connecting a housing to the bulkhead around
the retaining block, thus urging the retaining block into abutment
with the bulkhead.
[0044] Positioning the plurality of boots within the retaining
block may comprise inserting each of the plurality of boots into a
corresponding one of a plurality of holes each extending into the
retaining block.
[0045] Connecting each of the plurality of wires to the end of the
corresponding one of the plurality of terminals may comprise:
extending each wire through a corresponding one of the plurality of
holes extending into the retaining block; then extending each wire
through a corresponding one of the plurality of boots; and then
connecting each wire to the end of the corresponding one of the
plurality of terminals.
[0046] Connecting each of the plurality of wires to the end of the
corresponding one of the plurality of terminals may comprise:
extending each wire through a corresponding one of the plurality of
holes extending into the retaining block; then extending each wire
through a corresponding one of the plurality of boots; then
connecting each wire to a corresponding one of a plurality of
contact sockets; and then connecting each contact socket to the end
of the corresponding one of the plurality of terminals.
[0047] The plurality of wires may be a plurality of first wires,
the end of each of the plurality of terminals may be a first end,
and assembling the bulkhead connector assembly may further
comprise: connecting each of a plurality of second wires to a
second end of a corresponding one of the plurality of terminals;
and placing a contact block about the second end of the plurality
of terminals, collectively.
[0048] The plurality of wires may be a plurality of first wires,
the end of each of the plurality of terminals may be a first end,
and assembling the bulkhead connector assembly may further
comprise: connecting each of a plurality of second electrical wires
to a corresponding one of a plurality of contact sockets;
connecting each of the plurality of contact sockets with a second
end of a corresponding one of a plurality of terminals; and placing
the contact block about the second ends of the plurality of
terminals, collectively, and the plurality of contact sockets,
collectively, thus maintaining each of the plurality of contact
sockets in connection with the second end of the corresponding one
of the plurality of terminals.
[0049] The plurality of wires may be a plurality of first wires,
the end of each of the plurality of terminals may be a first end,
and assembling the bulkhead connector assembly may further
comprises: connecting each of a plurality of second electrical
wires to a corresponding one of a plurality of contact sockets;
connecting each of the plurality of contact sockets with a second
end of a corresponding one of a plurality of terminals; placing
each of a plurality of insulators about the second end of a
corresponding one of the plurality of terminals and a corresponding
one of the plurality of contact sockets, thereby maintaining each
of the plurality of contact sockets in connection with the second
end of the corresponding one of the plurality of terminals; and
placing the contact block about the plurality of insulators,
collectively.
[0050] The method may further comprise assembling the bulkhead
connector assembly into the downhole tool in a manner forming a
fluid seal between the bulkhead and an inside surface of the
downhole tool. Assembling the bulkhead connector assembly into the
downhole tool may fluidly isolate a dry side of the downhole tool
from a fluid side of the downhole tool and allow electrical
communication between the dry and fluid sides.
[0051] The present disclosure also introduces a system comprising:
a downhole tool comprising: a tool housing having a central cavity
extending therethrough; and a bulkhead connector assembly
positioned in the central cavity, wherein the bulkhead connector
assembly fluidly isolates a dry side of the downhole tool from a
fluid side of the downhole tool and allows electrical communication
between the dry and fluid sides, and wherein the bulkhead connector
assembly comprises: a bulkhead comprising a plurality of holes
extending therethrough, wherein the bulkhead is adapted to form a
fluid seal against an inside surface of the downhole tool; a
plurality of terminals each extending through the bulkhead, wherein
an end of each terminal is in electrical communication with a
corresponding one of a plurality of electrical wires; a plurality
of boots each extending about the end of a corresponding one of the
plurality of terminals; a retaining block having a first end, a
second end, and a plurality of holes each extending between the
first and second ends and receiving a corresponding one of the
plurality of boots, thereby positionally fixing each of the
plurality of boots relative to the bulkhead; and a housing
positioned around the retaining block and coupled to the bulkhead
thus positionally fixing the retaining block relative to the
bulkhead, wherein an opening of the housing receives the plurality
of wires. The downhole tool may be a downhole impact jar tool.
[0052] The foregoing outlines features of several embodiments so
that a person having ordinary skill in the art may better
understand the aspects of the present disclosure. A person having
ordinary skill in the art should appreciate that they may readily
use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying
other processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes
and/or achieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced
herein. A person having ordinary skill in the art should also
realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the
spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that they may make
various changes, substitutions and alterations herein without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
[0053] The Abstract at the end of this disclosure is provided to
comply with 37 C.F.R. .sctn.1.72(b) to allow the reader to quickly
ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted
with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or
limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
* * * * *